The Chase star Mark Labbett has shared a glimpse into his romance with girlfriend Hayley Palmer as the couple stepped out for date night. The telly favourite posted a beaming snap on Instagram alongside Sky TV music presenter Hayley, who is 16 years younger than him.
Both sporting all-black outfits, the pair seemed to have tucked into dinner at Nando's in Sheffield's Meadowhall shopping centre, with Mark writing beneath the photo: "Monday is Nandos night again. Hayley loves it and I've joined the reward scheme - win win."
Fan reaction to the photo
The upload grabbed the attention of one follower who disclosed they'd been seated just a table away from the lovebirds — but weren't entirely certain whether the bloke next to them was genuinely the celebrated Chaser.
Fortunately, Mark's Instagram update settled the matter for them. Another admirer responded: "Beautiful pic. This makes me so happy, my love." A third penned: "Such a lovely, happy photo of you both." While another gushed: "How about that for a beautiful picture."
How the couple rekindled their romance
Mark, 61, is understood to have rekindled things with Hayley earlier this summer after she'd previously labelled him "beastly" for calling time on their relationship during a three-minute telephone conversation. The couple had originally parted ways, but destiny stepped in when they crossed paths at St Pancras Station in London.
Mark has confessed he knew immediately he'd made a blunder and swiftly texted Hayley, 45, desperate to win her back. It proved no easy task, with the TV personality reportedly going all out to woo his ex-girlfriend, splashing out on £700 Christian Louboutin heels, whisking her off on bingo nights and treating her to meals at Nando's.
Plans for the future
The couple have now been reunited for roughly three months and, based on Mark's recent social media activity, their relationship seems to be flourishing. Wedding bells have even been discussed, though Mark has remained tight-lipped about specifics.
When Mark caught sight of Hayley at St Pancras, a vehicle was already there to pick him up, preventing him from pursuing his ex. He fired off a message instead, with Hayley later questioning why he hadn't come over to speak to her. The duo eventually arranged to meet for lunch - and the rest, as they say, is history.
Discussing potential nuptials, Mark told The Sun: "The first person that is going to find out about that is Hayley." Meanwhile, Hayley has discussed how their dynamic has evolved since getting back together. "We've had two years apart, and it's funny because during that time those emotions go, and now we're the best version of ourselves, and we're all about looking after each other and just being respectful to each other and having a nice time together," she revealed.
Mark has been open about his attraction to Hayley, describing her as being in the "best shape" and "looks ridiculously fit". He's also shared that he's shed pounds since the couple rekindled their romance. Discussing their relationship, Mark explained: "The major thing now is we've just gone on with it. We're not trying to hide it. We're just not bothering to be a big issue. We wouldn't bother going on Loose Women or anything."
